Enjoy safer sparklers with 6 fun Fourth of July crafts for kids

We expect to hear plenty of ooh’s and ahh’s to accompany all the bright and sparkly things we’ll see on the Fourth of July, but I hope to eliminate any ow’s with these safera alternatives to sparklers that they can enjoy on Independence Day. Or heck, all summer long. I hope these 6 fun Fourth of July crafts for kids help create a safer holiday for all.

Related: Free printable Fourth of July temporary tattoos

Pipe Cleaner Sparkler Craft for Fourth of July (tutorial, Kix Cereal)

Metallic pipe cleaners make great faux sparklers, especially in red, white, and blue colors. Follow the easy Pipe Cleaner Sparklers tutorial at the Kix Cereal blog (yes, really — they have some great craft projects there) and then let the kids wave them at the parade or just run around the yard with them at dusk.

Patriotic Tinsel Sparklers for Fourth of July (tutorial, Modern Parents Messy Kids)

Those random bundles of patriotic tinsel I always see in the craft store–what exactly are they used for? Well now I know they can become festive Fourth of July sparklers for kids to wave at everyone they see. Just check out Modern Parents Messy Kids’ instructions so that your tinsel wands last through the day.

Paper Sparklers for Fourth of July (tutorial, Momtastic)

Though the tutorial at Momtastic for these paper sparkles for kids uses vellum paper, I think that regular card stock would be perfectly fine for making a sparkler prop for Fourth of July photos.

Safer Fourth of July Sparkler Holder for Kids (tutorial, She Knows)

Going with real sparklers? Hey, I don’t blame you. So I love this idea for turning a plastic cup into a safety shield for kids’ tender hands. Kids can either hold onto the “hidden” sparkler inside the cup, or place it down somewhere as a sparkler stand if they’re nervous to touch it. Also check out the ideas at She Knows for how to first turn this into a fun craft project for the kids that will last longer than the sparklers will.